The much-anticipated, high-octane series between one of the fiercest rivals gets underway with the 1st ODI at the North Sydney Oval, Sydney. It is the 8th edition of the multi-format Women’s Ashes, which will include a three-match ODI series followed by a three-match T20I series and then a one-off Pink Ball Test match at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). Get ready for thrilling edge-of-the-seat entertainment down under in the coming few weeks.
As reported earlier, the veteran 33-year-old pacer Kate Cross continues to recover from her back injury and as a result, she missed out in the 1st ODI at the North Sydney Oval, Sydney. Lauren Filer replaced her in the starting line-up for England. At the same time, there was some good news for the home side as the Australian skipper Alyssa Healy returned with the wicket-keeping gloves from behind the stumps. The 29-year-old Alana King made the cut as the first-choice leg-spinner in the starting 11 for Australia in the 1st ODI.
A clinical show from the bowlers sets the tone for Australia
England got off to a poor start as they lost the wicket of their opening batter Maia Bouchier in the 4th over of the innings after the opposition skipper Alyssa Healy won the toss and inserted them to bat first. Kim Garth provided the first breakthrough for Australia. Skipper Heather Knight joined Tammy Beaumont at the crease and the duo stitched a much-needed 50-run partnership for the 2nd wicket to lead some sort of a recovery for the visitors after an early set-back.
Annabel Sutherland picked up the wicket of Tammy Beaumont to provide the much-needed 2nd breakthrough for her side. Nat Sciver-Brunt joined skipper Heather Knight at the crease and the duo pair stitched another crucial 31-run partnership for the 3rd wicket to take their side closer to the 100-run mark. England lost a couple of wickets in quick succession, including the wicket of their skipper Heather Knight (39 off 48 balls) to bring Australia firmly back into the contest.
Wicket-keeper batter Amy Jones joined Danielle Wyatt-Hodge at the crease and the pair kept the Aussies at bay, not allowing them to put their foot in the door with a vital 51-run 5th wicket partnership to take their side closer to the 150-run mark. Alana King broke the stand courtesy of an excellent return catch to remove the wicket-keeper batter Amy Jones (31 off 30 balls) in the 29th over of the innings.
England were eventually bundled out for 204, with 41 balls to spare. Danielle Wyatt-Hodge (38 off 52 balls) propelled England over the 200-run mark. Ashleigh Gardner (6.1-0-19-3) was the stand-out performer with the ball for her side. She also completed 100 wickets in ODIs. Kim Garth (10-1-46-2), Alana King (7-0-35-2), and Annabel Sutherland (6-0-42-2) picked up two wickets each. Darcie Brown (7-0-21-1) was also impressive with the ball for her side.
Alyssa Healy’s fifty and Ashleigh Gardner’s 42* guides Australia over the line
Australia didn’t get off to an ideal start as they lost the wicket of their Phoebe Litchfield in the 2nd over of the run chase. Lauren Filer provided the first breakthrough for England. Ellyse Perry joined skipper Alyssa Healy at the crease and the duo stitched a much-needed 35-run partnership for the 2nd wicket to steady the ship, taking their side closer to the 50-run mark.
Lauren Bell trapped Ellyse Perry plumb in front to provide the 2nd breakthrough for her side. Beth Mooney joined opening batter Alyssa Healy at the crease and the duo stitched another crucial 61-run partnership for the 2nd wicket to take their side past the 100-run mark. Sophie Ecclestone’s introduction to the attack brought the much-needed breakthrough in the form of Beth Mooney (28 off 28 balls) for England in the 17th over of the run chase.
Lauren Filer removed Annabel Sutherland to provide the 4th breakthrough, keeping the visitors in the game. Ashleigh Gardner joined skipper Alyssa Healy at the crease and the pair calmed the nerves with a crucial 40-run partnership for the 5th wicket to take their side past the 150-run mark. Charlie Dean cleaned up the opposition skipper Alyssa Healy (70 off 78 balls) to spice things up in the contest. She departed after scoring a well-crafted half-century for her side.
Australia eventually got over the line with four wickets in hand and 67 balls to spare. Ashleigh Gardner chipped in with a vital contribution (42* off 44 balls) with the bat to guide her side over the line. Sophie Ecclestone (10-1-38-2) was exceptional with the ball, alongside Lauren Filer (8-0-58-2), Lauren Bell (9-1-25-1), and Charlie Dean (9-0-47-1) for England.
Ashleigh Gardner was awarded the Player of the Match for her brilliant all-round show. She returned with sensational match figures of 6.1-0-19-3 in her spell with the ball and also scored a vital unbeaten knock of 42* (44 balls) with the bat for her side. She also took a couple of catches in the field. She played an instrumental role in helping Australia draw first blood in the ongoing multi-format Women’s Ashes with a convincing victory in the 1st ODI.
The 2nd ODI of the series will be played on 14th January 2025 (Tuesday) at the Junction Oval, Melbourne from 4:35 AM IST.
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